CLEARWATER LAKE REC AREA
Federal / Recreation.gov
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
Overview Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley, Florida. With a shaded campground, day use picnic area, beach and a nature trail that winds through the pine woods and scrub around Clearwater Lake, this facility has plenty of activities to keep campers occupied. The Ocala National Forest, in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pi
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
28.97944, -81.55500
Get directions
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Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 11:49 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Paisley, FL.
Today
80°F
Chance Rain Showers
39% rain · wind 15 mph
Tonight
66°F
Chance Rain Showers
30% rain · wind 10 to 15 mph
Tuesday
82°F
Mostly Sunny
13% rain · wind 10 to 15 mph
Tuesday Night
69°F
Partly Cloudy
6% rain · wind 10 to 15 mph
Wednesday
81°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
20% rain · wind 10 to 15 mph
Wednesday Night
69°F
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
20% rain · wind 5 to 15 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (set your own plan)
- Not estimated for this listing — map it from your home
- Access
- See details
- Hike-in
- Confirm on site / map
- Pass required
- Check site (America the Beautiful often covers day-use; camping fees separate)
- Parking
- See facility details
- Camping fee
- See Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- Check local rules
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: Typically 6 months rolling (check site)
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~drive + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
Share your adventure
Link a YouTube video from your trip so others can see what the land feels like — and so parks can see real people loving their places.
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